Failure to Provide Accessible and Accurate State Survey Agency Contact Information
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents were properly informed of their right to file a complaint with the State Survey Agency, and did not provide visible, readable, and accurate contact information for the agency. During a Resident Council meeting, four out of five residents stated they did not know where the State Survey Agency contact information was posted and had not been made aware of where to find it. Observations confirmed that the required contact information was either missing or posted in a manner that was not easily readable, with incorrect address and telephone number details. The Activity Director acknowledged that the information was not accessible or accurate, and that it should have been provided during monthly council meetings. Further observation with the DON confirmed that the posted contact information was not visible, easily readable, or up to date, and that the residents' right to file a complaint with the State was not honored. Review of the facility's policy and procedure indicated that residents are to be informed about their rights, including the right to communicate with outside agencies. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, resident interviews, and review of facility policy.